Pawtraits by Nicole

09/24/2025

I know I haven’t been on here much, caring for senior dogs and wearing all the business hats (for me) means social media is usually the first thing to slip. But, I wanted to share some exciting news from this year’s International Pet Photography Awards.

This image earned my highest score of the competition, landing in the Top 100 out of over 4,000 entries worldwide and was one of my three finalist images.

I focused on this competition this year since I’m working toward my accreditation with IPPA. The level of creativity and talent in the entries was incredible, so I’m super happy with how my images did. Out of 22 submissions, I received:

🏆 1 Silver with Distinction (this image — only 139 awarded!)
🥈 1 Silver (422 awarded)
🥉 10 Bronze with Distinction (754 awarded)
🥉 8 Bronze (1334 awarded)
2 with no award

I came up just 6 points shy of earning accreditation this year, which means I have to wait a whole year! I'm not kicking myself for only entering 2 images last year. But, that's okay, because I shouldn't have to stress about making 6 points next year.

08/31/2025

Sorry, can't make it! My dog has a set schedule and I'm not messing with that 🐶⏰

07/25/2025

Hello! I know it's been a minute since I last posted - okay, maybe more like a year. But hey, I'm a work in progress, and I'm aiming to do a slightly better job starting today.

Today's post is about Christmas in August sessions.

We all know fall gets chaotic, and trying to schedule holiday photos when everyone’s busy is a nightmare.
So while it’s hot and miserable outside, I’m offering indoor studio Christmas sessions, indoors.

If getting your holiday cards out early is on your to-do list, this is your chance to cross it off.

Grab all the info and book your spot here:
https://www.pawtraitsbynicole.com/christmas-in-august

02/18/2024

The 2025 Pawtastic Friends Calendar Contest has officially kicked off! This contest has raised nearly $15,000 in the last 3 years, and this year we're making that amount our goal. Yes, $15,000!

It's a huge goal, and I will be biting my nails for the next several weeks, but, I know the Las Vegas community is amazing when it comes to helping dogs in need.

How do you join the fun?

Upload an image of your dog for a $20 entry fee, and have your friends and family vote for your dog. Each vote is only $1. The 12 dogs with the most votes will win a portrait session, with the best image going into the 2025 calendar.

100% of the proceeds for this contest will be donated back to PF, providing life-saving enrichment training sessions to dogs in need. Click the link below to enter. Thanks for entering and good luck!

Don't forget to tell your friends to enter their dogs!

**One dog per entry

https://www.gogophotocontest.com/pawtasticfriends

Don’t forget to enter your furry friend in the 2025 PF Calendar!

This contest is so fun for us every year. For a $20 entry fee, your dog could win a spot in our 2025 calendar. All you have to do is share on social media and get your friends and family to vote for your pup.

100% of the proceeds for this contest will be donated back to PF, providing life saving enrichment training sessions to dogs in need. Click the link below or use the link in bio to enter. Thanks for entering and good luck! **One dog per entry

https://www.gogophotocontest.com/pawtasticfriends

*Special thanks to Pawtraits by Nicole for hosting this contest every year!

*

01/25/2024

She IS delightful! 🐶

**Join us on Patreon! Patreon.com/ScottMetzgerCartoons

01/09/2024

Strategy for getting comfortable yet you still wake up at the end of the bed 🤣

01/04/2024

If you had to pick just ONE dog toy, which would it be?

Mine, without a doubt, would be the Hol-ee roller, for its versatility.
It's a ball, great indoors and out, doesn't ding up furniture, and is excellent in sand - eliminating the mouth full of sand, it's also a treat puzzle, so pretty much an all-around perfect toy.

What's your favorite dog toy?

12/25/2023

Hey There Fellow Dog Lovers!

As the holiday season wraps us in its warm embrace, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a wonderful holiday! Whether you're celebrating with two legs or four, surrounded by family or furry friends, may your days be filled with joy, laughter, and the unconditional love that our canine companions bring.

May your coffee be strong, your chocolate plentiful, and your moments captured with laughter and warmth. Here's to a Christmas that's as delightful and unique as each of our four-legged friends!

Happy Holidays!

Nicole, Vibe, Elf, Flea, and View 📸🐾 (please don't tell my dogs they were not featured in this post!)
Pawtraits by Nicole

12/22/2023

Happy rainy Friday! I love this weather!

12/11/2023

Another image from the Iceland workshop of Ynja at Sólheimajökull Glacier.

12/08/2023

Not sure what to get for your dog or your dog-loving friends for Christmas this year? I've got you covered with what I think is the best dog toy of 2023.

More details on my blog: https://www.pawtraitsbynicole.com/blog/best-new-dog-toy-2023

12/05/2023